Roof Leak Prevention

5/8/2023 (Permalink)

Roof leaks happen, it is just what comes with being a homeowner.

We have all been told from time to time to “be thankful you have a roof over your head.” When you become a homeowner, you realize how the roof plays a vital role in safeguarding your home from rain, wind, storms, and extreme temperatures. Because of this, you should be paying close attention to your roof and making sure it is in great shape.    

Roof leaks happen, it is just what comes with being a homeowner. They are frustrating because of the damage it can cause to your home. It is also very common for roof leaks to go unnoticed for quite some time. Unfortunately, they are noticed when there is already a significant amount of damage done to your home.  

As a homeowner, you need to be alerted to avoid these situations. Follow these tips for prevention measures:  

• Have regular roof inspections – Have a trained professional inspect your roof. This is essential in spotting early signs of roof damage.  
• Pay attention to roof flashings – Without good, secure flashings around chimneys, vents, wall/roof junctions, skylights, water can enter a home and cause damage to your walls, ceilings, insultation and even electrical systems.  
• Maintain gutters and downspouts – Gutters and downspouts that are full of leaves and debris will cause water to back up under your roof shingles causing potential leaks and water damage.  
• Do not block ventilation – Proper attic ventilation will help prevent structural damage caused by moisture and increase roofing material life.  
• Keep trees and bushes away – Leaves and falling limbs can cause moisture problems from algae and rot, damage to roof tiles and clogged gutters.  

Common Culprits of Commercial Water Damage

3/1/2023 (Permalink)

Experienced water damage in your commercial building? SERVPRO of New Center/Highland Park can help you get dried out quickly.

Water damage is a major issue for businesses, and at its worst, it can cause the workplace to close for an extended period of time. Besides being a commercial disruptor, water can also lead to extensive damage that will only escalate with time.

The task of preventing water damage in commercial buildings can be overwhelming for business owners, but mitigation is simple if you know where to start! You can keep business running smoothly by being aware of the primary causes of commercial water damage.

Water Damage Can Leave Odors

2/1/2023 (Permalink)

You can’t always see water damage, but you can always smell it.

You can’t always see water damage, but you can always smell it. Most water damage odors are hard to ignore and alert you that there is damage in your home. Odors from water damage can be noticeable immediately or can occur sometime after the water is removed. Here are some common odors: 

• Muddy smell: If outdoor flooding has entered the home, you may notice an earthy smell associated with lakes. 
• Sewage smell: If water damage in your home is a result of a backed-up sewer, you will immediately notice the odor of raw sewage. 
• Musty odors: Musty odors occur after the fact. This is a sign that mold is growing in your home. 

Always remember to trust your nose. If it smells wrong, it probably is. The sooner you notice the problem, the sooner we can help. A highly trained SERVPRO professional can access the degree of your damage. To get rid of the odor in your home, our franchise professionals will find the source of the odor and determine the best methods to neutralize and eliminate the odor from your home.  

Unexpected Hazards of a Leaky Roof

1/25/2023 (Permalink)

Consistent water intrusion will work its way down from the attic to the foundation of the house, causing extensive and costly damage.

As a homeowner, you may be guilty of putting off household problems such as cleaning your appliances and changing your furnace filter. However, a leaky roof is a household problem that should never be put off. Whether your roof is leaking due to storm damage or improper installation, it must be taken care of right away. 

Many homeowners think a leaky roof is due to structural problems, but it can pose safety and health risks to everyone in the household. Consistent water intrusion will work its way down from the attic to the foundation of the house, causing extensive and costly damage. 

Here are some unexpected ways a leaky roof can damage your home: 

• Attic and Ceiling Damage – A leaky roof can damage ceiling paint, causing the ceiling plaster to bubble and expand. The water can also damage paint and plaster on the surrounding walls. You can expect damage to ceiling-mounted lights and fans as well. 
• Fire Hazards – If your electrical wiring is present in your attic or ceiling, a leaky roof can pose a fire risk from shorted wires. It is highly advised to turn off electricity to the area that is affected immediately and have an electrician examine it. 
• Slip and Fall Hazard – A leaky roof can cause water to puddle on the floor. This doesn’t seem like a huge risk, but anyone in your household could slip and fall, potentially hurting themselves. 
• Higher Utility Bills – Water intrusion can be damaging to the insulation in your attic area, potentially causing your home to lose hot and cool air in your home. This issue will result in higher utility bills and no homeowner wants that. 
• Compromised Structure - Prolonged roof leaks lead to wood deterioration and weakening. Rotted roof framing causes serious problems that require help from a professional contractor. Homeowners can also face expensive wood framing repairs if water seeps down into ceiling joists and walls. 

Potential Causes of Water Damage in Your Home

1/6/2023 (Permalink)

From leaking pipes to defective appliances, it is crucial to recognize potential water damage causes.

Being a homeowner, you know disasters can happen. Several circumstances can be the cause of water damage in your home. From leaking pipes to defective appliances, it is crucial to recognize potential water damage causes. Below are a few of the causes of water damage in your home. 

• Dishwasher - Your dishwasher can cause water damage if not properly sealed, the latch is broken, or it was loaded with the wrong soap. Make sure any leaks are immediately addressed and your dishwasher is repaired or replaced ASAP. 
• Washing Machine - The same goes for your washing machine. Perform regular checks, inspecting beneath the unit as well as behind it. Make sure all fittings are securely connected, and there are no leaks underneath. If you have an older washing machine that gives you frequent issues, consider replacing it with a more efficient model. 
• Air Conditioner - Your A/C removes moisture from the air and moisture can build up within the unit itself. If not properly drained, that water could slowly leak into your home potentially ruining the flooring and drywall and, in many cases, introducing mold, which is always an emergency water cleanup situation. 
• Leaking Pipes - If you notice water pooling in the kitchen or bathroom, you may be dealing with a loose-fitting pipe under sink. Don’t wait to call a plumber. One leak can be a sign of other leaks in the home, too. 
• Clogged Drains - Clogged drains aren’t just annoying—they also cause water damage (and mold growth) if left unchecked. A clogged toilet can cause water to back up into the shower, sinks, or bathroom floor. Sewer water is extremely dangerous because it contains raw sewage and bacteria, requiring help from water damage cleanup companies. 

Sewage Back Up Tips

9/1/2022 (Permalink)

Water from sewer system backups should be considered very dangerous.

Water damage in your home is devastating, especially cleaning up areas of your home after flooding and sewer damage. Water from sewer system backups should be considered very dangerous. The water is grossly unsanitary and may contain bacteria and viruses that could cause serious illness. Special training and equipment are necessary to safely clean this type of contamination.  

If you ever face a sewage backup in your bathroom, there are a few things that are helpful to know to speed proper cleanup and ensure a safe and sanitary home for your family.  

• Call for Help - If you suspect you have damaged sewer lines, call your sewage company to schedule an inspection. To protect your home from future mold or rot issues after a toilet overflow, call flood damage remediation experts. Only with the help of professional water removal specialists can you rest assured that floodwater has not crept into places you cannot see to wreak havoc.  
• Dry the Area - Though you may be tempted to sanitize your bathroom immediately after a toilet overflows, you should not do so before you start drying out the affected area. Whether you are dealing with a flooded toilet or an entire flooded basement, the first thing you should do is utilize heavy duty vacuums, drainage systems and fans to remove all the water.  
• Sanitize - After drying the area, sanitize it as best you can. Floodwater resulting from sewer damage can be toxic, so be thorough in your cleaning processes. Once the area is dry from the first round of sanitizer, you should plan to disinfect it one more time.  
• Dehumidify - The presence of excess water in a bathroom often welcomes lingering humidity, which only encourages mold growth in spaces affected by sewer water. During the process of drying, sanitizing, and restoring, you should be sure that a dehumidifier is always running.  

Water Damage to Hardwood Floors

6/1/2022 (Permalink)

We always encourage water damage victims to extract as much water as possible while they wait for help to arrive. 

How Water Warps Hardwood Flooring  

When water floods areas with hardwood floors, the material tries to absorb the water. Excessive moisture forces the wood to expand, which can cause warping or cupping. Here at SERVPRO, we always encourage water damage victims to extract as much water as possible while they wait for help to arrive.  

Saving Wet Hardwood Floors  

In some cases, we can save your hardwood floors. If the water is quickly extracted and there is not significant warping, then we can use a drying process specifically designed for hardwood floors. But if the flooring was exposed to moisture for a significant period and shows major signs of warping, then your hardwood will need to be removed and replaced.  

Call Professionals Before It is Too Late  

While it is possible to save your water-damaged hardwood flooring, time is a critical factor. If you notice water damage in your home, call a professional cleanup and restoration company like our team here at SERVPRO of Saginaw / Bay City. We offer 24/7 emergency restoration services. Call us today at 989-752-8644.